Member

Posts: 60
From: WI USA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 12-10-2003 05:07 PM         

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I have ALOT of brown algae covering everything. This is probably due to the fact that I'm cycling my tank and the excess nitrites (i've read that this can really get it going). Anyhow, since my tank is nearing the end of the cycling and I'm about to add some fish...will the addition of 2 ottos get this under control? It's on every rock...I'm afraid that by the time it's done cycling that I won't beable to get rid of it. Any suggestions?

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Member

Posts: 266
From:Canada
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 12-11-2003 08:44 AM         

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how big is your tank?

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Member

Posts: 60
From: WI USA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 12-11-2003 06:10 PM         

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It's a 10 gallon with 3 platties in it.

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Member

Posts: 266
From:Canada
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 12-12-2003 09:19 AM         

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Yeah, two should be OK. I've got 4 in a twenty gallon and they keep it pretty clean. As your cycle completes, the bacteria should start to outcompete the algae for nutrients and your overall problem should become easier to manage as well. If the ottos can't keep up at first, you can clean the sides with algae pads and take the rocks, etc. out and clean them. They should be able to keep things under control after that. How has your cycle come along?

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Member

Posts: 60
From: WI USA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 12-15-2003 04:21 PM         

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it's doing fine....I did not test today but as of yesterday the nitrites were still at 10ppm which of course is way too high so the nitrites have definately spiked. I'm hoping that within the next week I will see a drop in that and a rise in my nitrates and the cycle will be complete. I ran out of my ammonia test kit so have not tested that in about 2 weeks but can only assume that it has dropped...I will have to get another test kit soon. So when the cycle is done and the nitrites read 0ppm I guess I can do a gravel vac and 25% water change and add those 2 ottos, right?

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Member

Posts: 83
From:APG, MA, USA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 12-30-2003 07:06 AM         

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I never did a cycle but my fish are fine

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Member

Posts: 60
From: WI USA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 12-30-2003 04:55 PM         

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everyones tank cycles...you just may not be aware of it if you are not testing.

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Member

Posts: 266
From:Canada
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 12-31-2003 07:31 AM         

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Cycling is like the death and taxes of the aquarium - unavoidable.

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posted 01-04-2004 09:53 PM           

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if there us excess algae, try turnin down the light you give to your tank. the trick is to give the tank enough light for the plants but not enough for the algae to grow. introducing a brittlenose catfish and a flying fox will help out with the algae. the bristlenose eats algae off rocks and flying fox off plants. good luck

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Member

Posts: 102
From:
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 01-06-2004 03:04 PM         

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Excess algae: Isn't there a substance you can get at the petstore that you put into the tank and it kills off algae, then you can just suck it out with the vacuum? I get some algae on the side of my tank that is facing the window because the sun makes it take off. Sometimes I have to take a toothbrush (used only for my tank) and scratch it off.

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